The Beatles, “Piggies” from ‘The White Album’ (1968): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Piggies” from ‘The White Album’ (1968): Deep Beatles

As politics continues to dominate the news in this U.S. election season, the Beatles’ “Piggies” resonates stronger than ever. A George Harrison composition, the track stems from the same writing period as “Taxman” from 1966’s Revolver; the acerbic lyrics certainly confirm that fact. The harpsichord-dominated arrangement juxtaposed with the revolting lead characters effectively satirizes greed and class distinctions. Harrison’s straightforward vocals correctly place the emphasis where it belongs: on the biting words. While not as frequently discussed as other White Album songs, “Piggies” deserves closer examination for its sound, subject, and its impact on future artists.